Russia Increases Dolphin Patrols to Protect Crimea Naval Base

Russia has doubled the number of pens holding trained dolphins near the Black Sea port of Sevastopol to counter enemy divers, according to the UK defense intelligence agency. The additional pens include at least four layers of nets and booms across the harbor entrance, and the marine mammals have an inherent advantage against even the most athletic combat swimmer. The Russian navy uses Beluga whales and seals in Arctic waters. Dolphins have been used by both the US and Russia's militaries in the past, particularly during the Cold War to detect submarines and mines.